She burst into her mother-in-law’s house unannounced—and froze, overhearing the chilling conversation between her and a friend.
“Rodionova, it’s crucial to me that the person visiting the client is someone I can trust completely. And who better than you to entrust such a task?” the boss asked, eyes locked on the young employee.
“As you say, Semyon Sergeyevich. I don’t mind,” Asya smiled and nodded.
While most colleagues shied away from field assignments, preferring to stay safely in the office, Asya was different. She met every challenge with optimism, taking on any task without complaint. “Movement is life,” she always said when sent to a client. She wasn’t a courier, but saw nothing daunting in her director’s request. Plus, the trips came with a bonus—why refuse?
This day was no different. Even when the assignment came near the end of the workday, Asya didn’t falter. Instead, she thought she could stop by her mother-in-law’s nearby. Bring her some tasty treats, share tea and news. And there was plenty to share: with her husband Oleg, they’d finally finished the nursery, preparing for their first child. No baby yet, but Asya held onto hope for those two coveted lines on the test. Smiling softly and humming under her breath, she headed to the elevator, clutching a folder of documents.
“She’s so naive. Thinking this will get her a promotion?” her colleagues whispered, casting pointed glances.
They didn’t even bother to lower their voices, deliberately loud. But Asya ignored them. Let them talk—it was none of her business. She hadn’t dreamed of climbing the career ladder by running errands. If a promotion came, it would be earned through merit and proven skill.
“Life will be hard for her—so trusting, like a fragile dandelion.”
Asya froze for a moment, tempted to turn and reply, but stopped herself. Why make a scene over nothing? Let them believe what they want. If they disliked her character, that was their problem. She was content with herself and her life. Her soft nature and willingness to yield helped her connect easily with people, avoid conflicts. But make no mistake—she knew how to stand up for herself. Gossip never rattled her ears.
After wrapping up at the client’s company, Asya stopped by a bakery, bought her mother-in-law’s favorite pastries, and headed to the private district. She didn’t warn her—decided to surprise her. Alla Dmitrievna was always at home at this hour, and Asya was sure she’d be delighted. Their relationship was warm and trusting. When Oleg first introduced his mother to his fiancée, Asya was accepted like family right away. Gifts, care, support in family disputes—her mother-in-law was always on her side. She had even bonded with Asya’s own parents. A mother-in-law like that was rare. Asya felt she could talk to her about anything—even the most intimate matters. Of course, she wasn’t a replacement for her own mother, but Alla Dmitrievna had become a close, trusted figure.
Treats in hand, Asya messaged her husband she’d be late and walked down the familiar street. The mother-in-law’s house—an old, sturdy home built by her parents—stood quietly. She had often invited the young couple to move in, but Asya hesitated: the outskirts weren’t convenient for work. They dreamed of their own house—closer to the center or in the suburbs, with fresh air. But that was the future. For now, they valued what they had. A good home demanded money they hadn’t yet saved.
The gate was open, and so was the front door. The kitchen smelled of fresh baking. Maybe mother-in-law was airing out the house. Or could she have guests? Asya stepped quietly inside—and immediately heard muffled voices.